It will be a Grimm weekend at the Elmira District Secondary School this weekend, and the public is invited as the drama team puts on a fundraising show of its award-winning production. Qualifying for the Ontario West drama competition in Barrie next week, the team will be raising funds for the journey with a Sunday showing of A Grimm Night.
Based on the popular Brothers Grimm and their traditional fairy tales, the story sees the titular brothers waylaid in an inn during a storm, where their imaginative stories are brought to life by the inn patrons.
“This Sunday, April 7, we are doing a preview show matinee at 4 p.m. here at the school,” said drama department head DJ Carroll. “Tickets are $10. People can come, they get to see the show and we’re having a little reception after. It’s coffee, tea, a few snacks, and all the proceeds are going towards our show.”
The play saw the Elmira team earn several awards at the district-level National Theatre Drama Festival in Waterloo February, including the award of merit for acting for students Hadley Mustakas and Maddie McCormack, another award of merit for Phoebe Martin for props, and the school-wide Spirit of the Theatre award.
A Grimm Night earned the EDSS team a sure path to the regional level of the National Theatre Drama Festival, which will be held at the Bear Creek Secondary School in Barrie, from April 8 to 13.
Given that it’s a bit of a trek to Barrie, those not able to make it next week will have a chance to preview the show much closer to home on Sunday, with all the proceeds from the showing going to support the team.
“There’s a couple pieces of equipment we still need to get, the travel costs, hotel stays – because we’re going up for a couple of days for the competition – and then we head out on April 11, and we’re in Barrie for three days,” said Carroll. “So not only to compete, but also to see shows, do workshops, meet kids from other parts of Ontario.”
Besides supporting the Elmira troupe, who will be vying for the provincials at the regional competitions, picking up a ticket for this weekend’s preview is a great way to spend a Sunday evening, says Carroll.
“We want as many people to come out, not only to see the show because it’s won the awards for the district level, it’s won some amazing awards. These kids have put so much into it,” said Carroll.
Tickets may be purchased in advance, or at the door which open about 45 minutes before show time.
